The Cell and Molecular Analysis Core

The Cell and Molecular Analysis Core provides space, facilities and training for COBRE investigators who will utilize proteomics, cell culture, HPLC and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technologies to achieve the specific aims outlined in their research proposals.

In Proteomics analysis skilled personnel assist highly specialized procedures for HPLC separation of proteins and 2D separation of proteins for proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry.  The Cell Culture manages a host of useful cells for the junior, developing and mentor scientist.  The EPR facility performs measurements of tissue oxygen content, oxygen and nitrogen free radical species in vivo (Lband) and in vitro (X-band) by EPR spectroscopy.

Each of these facilities mentor junior and developing investigators regarding the potential uses of the Core’s technology and facilities to enhance their research projects and assist junior and developing investigators in the design of proteomic, HPLC, EPR and cell culture experiments.  The facilities personnel then coordinate the analysis of proteomic samples by mass spectrometry and to aid in the analysis and interpretation of mass spectrometry data.

Catalin Filipeanu, M.D., Ph.D., serves as Core Director and is responsible for the overall administration and coordination of the Core’s activities.  He had extensive experience in cellular and molecular biology. His primary scientific interests are in the regulation of G protein-coupled receptors intracellular trafficking in normal and pathologic conditions. The Cell and Molecular Core can supply the CoBRE members expertise in the following experimental procedures:

• isolation of primary smooth muscle, endothelial, glial, microglial and neuronal cells.
• maintenance of any cell line commercially available.
• generation of transiently and stably transfected cell lines.
• cloning of specific cDNA into vectors of choice.
• analyzing the protein expression levels by western blotting, immunofluorescence and ELISA.
• quantification of the cellular response by determining the second messenger levels (cAMP, IP3).

Barry Potter, Ph.D.,  is responsible for directing the EPR and HPLC components of the Core.

Mr. Jesse Guidry will coordinate and direct the proteomics component with Chau-Wen Chou,Ph.D., Director of the LSUHSC-NO Mass Spectrometry Facility.  Both investigators have extensive experience in 2D-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
 

The state-of-art technology and experienced personnel provided by this Core will enhance the COBRE investigators progress towards acquisition of extramural funding and will support the overall mission of the Cardiovascular Center of Excellence. 

The project described was supported by grant number P20RR018766 from the National Center of Research Resources (NCRR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily report the official view of NCRR or NIH.